Sensitive infant caregiving among the rural Gusii in Kenya

Abstract

The Gusii in rural Kenya represent a particularly interesting community for the study of sensitivity, as they have previously been described as not showing sensitive care. This study focuses on the observation of sensitivity in seven families with a 7-to 23-month-old infant, with extensive naturalistic video observations (ca. 2–4 h per infant) in a multiple caregiver setting, and potential co-existing harsh parenting practices. The average score for received sensitive caregiving was rather low at 5.3, but four out of seven infants were rated as receiving at least adequately sensitive care. Sensitivity was mostly expressed non-verbally in the form of (subtle) physical responsiveness by a variety of caregivers, and seen to a high extent during infant feeding. Insensitivity was seen when caregivers were occupied with chores, and during infant bathing. Results are discussed in terms of the nature of sensitive caregiving among the Gusii, and factors that might explain within-group differences.